What is the population of Lisbon?
Lisbon's metropolitan area has about 2,986,000 people, making it the 106th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In Portugal · Also known as City of Seven Hills, City of Light, Queen of the Sea
Metro population
2,986,000
0.036% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.18%
About 15 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
1,008/km²
2,962 km² metro area
City proper
517,802
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, with 550,000 residents and 2.9 million in the metro area. One of Western Europe's oldest cities, Lisbon cascades over seven hills facing the Tagus River. The city has transformed from post-imperial decline to one of Europe's hottest destinations, known for its light, tiles (azulejos), fado music, and reinvented cultural scene.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Lisbon Humberto Delgado AirportLIS
6 km from the city centre
- Cascais AirportCAT
18 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Lisbon has been inhabited for over 3,000 years—Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Portuguese have ruled. The Age of Discovery (15th-16th centuries) made Lisbon one of the world's richest cities. The 1755 earthquake devastated it, leading to Enlightenment-era reconstruction. Salazar's dictatorship (1926-1974) ended with the Carnation Revolution. EU membership (1986) brought modernization.
Economy
Lisbon is Portugal's economic center, generating about 45% of national GDP. Key sectors include tourism (major growth), tech startups (Web Summit relocated here), services, and port activities. Foreign investment has surged. Cost of living was historically low but has risen sharply. The city attracts digital nomads and remote workers.
Culture
Lisbon's culture is defined by saudade (melancholic longing), expressed through fado music (UNESCO heritage). Azulejo tiles cover buildings. The city has reinvented neighborhoods (LX Factory), vibrant nightlife (Bairro Alto), and excellent cuisine (pastéis de nata, seafood, wine). Street art thrives. The light and views over terracotta rooftops are magical.
Transportation
Lisbon Metro has four lines. Iconic trams (especially 28) navigate hills. Buses and ferries serve the city. Lisbon Portela Airport is Portugal's main hub. Trains connect to Porto and Spain. The city is hilly and walkable with effort. Santa Justa Elevator is both transport and attraction.
Current Challenges
Lisbon faces severe housing affordability crisis driven by tourism, foreign investment, and golden visas—locals are being priced out. Overtourism strains infrastructure. Gentrification displaces traditional communities. Infrastructure needs updating. Unemployment, though improved, remains a concern. The city is earthquake-prone.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Belém Tower (UNESCO)
- Jerónimos Monastery (UNESCO)
- Praça do Comércio
- Alfama district
- Tram 28
- LX Factory
- Castelo de São Jorge
- Time Out Market
- Miradouros (viewpoints)
What Lisbon Is Known For
- Fado music
- Pastéis de nata
- Tiles (azulejos)
- Light
- Hills
- Age of Discovery
Universities
- University of Lisbon
- Nova University Lisbon
- ISCTE
Sports Teams
- Benfica
- Sporting CP (football)
Interesting Facts
- Lisbon is older than Rome by about 400 years
- The 1755 earthquake was one of history's deadliest
- Pastéis de nata (custard tarts) were created by monks in Belém
- Lisbon has over 100 viewpoints (miradouros)
- Tram 28 dates from the 1930s
- Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
| Lisbon | 2.99M |
Population Trend in Portugal
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 8,418,877 |
| 1960 | 8,873,218 |
| 1970 | 8,669,523 |
| 1980 | 9,763,624 |
| 1990 | 9,989,524 |
| 2000 | 10,283,204 |
| 2010 | 10,578,660 |
| 2020 | 10,370,519 |
| 2030 | 10,317,927 |
| 2040 | 10,082,255 |
| 2050 | 9,770,271 |
| 2060 | 9,395,885 |
| 2070 | 9,060,610 |
| 2080 | 8,868,424 |
| 2090 | 8,804,663 |
| 2100 | 8,753,987 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
Lisbon Population FAQ
What is the difference between Lisbon's city and metro population?
About 517,802 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 2,986,000. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Lisbon growing or shrinking?
Lisbon is growing at +0.18% a year.
What share of Portugal's population lives in Lisbon?
Lisbon's metro area holds about 27.6% of Portugal's total population.
How densely populated is Lisbon?
Lisbon has roughly 1,008 people per km² across a metro area of about 2,962 km².
Which airports serve Lisbon?
The nearest major airports are Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Cascais Airport (CAT).
Which country is Lisbon in?
Lisbon is in Portugal, in Europe.
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